Research communication theme of the last workshop

The PhD students look for inspiration in a pile of fashion magazines, a presentation form that might be useful to their research projects or future products.

There were lots of friendly smiles when the PhD students reunited.

The PhD students formulate in groups what unites the different projects with each other.

There were lots of friendly smiles when the PhD students reunited.

The research project ArcInTexETN is now on its last year. For three years, the PhD students of the project have conducted research on the future’s ways of living and building.

The PhD students met in late January at the Heriot-Watt University in Galasheils, Scotland, for one last joint workshop before they are going to compile their research findings and publicly defend their theses. As a preparation, they spent a week sharpening their skills in how to reach out with their research to the public, financiers, and other stakeholders.

Agneta Nordlund Andersson, project leader of ArcInTexETN, says:

“The subtitle of this workshop is Professional Skills Training, and this is the third module in the PhD students’ training in how to communicate their research to non-academics and laymen in the field. This workshop also allows them to explore cultural and ethical dimensions of their research from a wider social perspective.”

The PhD students had lectures and fast-paced group assignments where they had to take a stand, formulate what their research is about in a way that the general public can understand and motivate why it is important, and what it might lead to for the future’s ways of living and housing. They also visited the renowned lace-making company MYB Textiles.

They will defend their theses at their respective universities. Those who belong to a company will defend their theses at their research schools.

“Those who do not defend their theses this year will be employed by the respective university and continue for another year. However, two of them entered the project late. Whether they will continue or not depends on whether their university funds their continuation. During the course of the ArcInTexETN project, the PhD students gathered on seven occasions: Two joint course meetings, three occasions during summer school, and two workshops. In between, they worked on their respective research projects at their home institutions”, says Agneta Nordlund Andersson.

ArcInTexETN is funded by the European Union’s framework programme Horizon 2020 under the Marie Skłodowska–Curie actions agreement number 642328. The University of Borås coordinates the project. The ArcInTexETN consortium includes the University of Borås as well as five other universities and two companies. The project started in 2015 and ends on 31 December 2018.